Imphal: Protests were held across Manipur on Thursday following the killing of three civilians and the injury of three others at Sunurok hill on October 19, with demonstrators demanding accountability and immediate government action to restore peace.
The three civilians, residents of Uyumpok and Nongshum in Imphal East district, were allegedly killed by suspected Kuki militants while collecting firewood at Sunurok hill.
The demonstrations were organised by various civil society organisations and Meira Paibis to condemn the killings and demand action against those responsible.
A sit-in protest organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), in collaboration with various frontal organisations, was held in Imphal. Participants from several communities, including the Meitei and Naga communities, joined the protest.
The demonstrators demanded an end to what they described as a proxy war against the indigenous communities of Manipur. Their demands included the immediate abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki armed groups, the seizure of illegal arms from Kuki-inhabited areas and a military crackdown against militants.
The protesters also expressed concern over public safety, stating that despite the state government’s assurances regarding free movement, civilians continued to face threats from gun attacks.
Speaking to the media, Uripok Apunba Lup (UAL) vice-president Tarun alleged that the government had failed to act against Kuki armed groups despite alleged violations of the SoO agreement.
He claimed that neither the Army, paramilitary forces nor the police had conducted operations against the militants despite the alleged violations.
Tarun further alleged that SoO camps had been established around the valley and hill areas to facilitate the use of armed groups against the indigenous people of Manipur.
“This double-engine government is allowing the Kuki SoO groups to carry out a proxy war against the people of Manipur,” he said.
He urged the government to recover illegal sophisticated weapons from the hill areas, particularly those inhabited by Kukis, and launch a military crackdown, stating that such measures were necessary to restore peace in the state.
Tarun also said COCOMI had scheduled a public rally for October 31, which he said would bring together indigenous communities to press the government to end the alleged proxy war and revoke the SoO agreement with Kuki armed groups.
In a separate demonstration at Ima Keithel, women vendors joined the agitation in solidarity with the families of the three deceased civilians. Describing the incident as unfortunate, they demanded accountability from the government.
The protesters held placards and raised slogans demanding the resignation of the chief minister, ministers, MLAs and MP A. Sarda, accusing them of failing to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
Members of the All India Students’ Federation (AISF) also joined the protests, expressing resentment over continued violence against civilians and what they described as the inaction of the authorities.
The situation turned violent later at the western gate of Kangla when AISF members attempted to march towards Raj Bhavan.
Similar sit-in protests were held in several localities by Meira Paibis, including Thokchom Leikai, Thiyam Leikai and Kongjeng Hajari Leikai in Keishampat, Imphal West.
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